Asians travelled the most this year, as travelers trooped to destinations within the region, especially going on beach holidays. The market saw double digit growth this year, and the trend is forecast to continue well into 2017.
These were some of the data presented at the 24
th World Travel Monitor Forum held in Pisa, Italy earlier this month, according to a report by the trade publication
Hotel News Resource.
Outbound travel grew by 11% in the first eight months of the year, with a 14% spike in travel around Asia and an 11% rise in trips to the Americas, the report said. In contrast, travel going to Europe saw a 1% reduction.
China dominated the market, as outbound travel from the country, excluding Hong Kong and Macau, rose 18%. South Korea came a close second with an 11% increase seen in international travel.
Dr. Martin Buck, Messe Berlin's senior vice president for travel and logistics, said in the report, "This year's boom in Asian outbound travel, especially by the Chinese, is remarkable. Moreover, we can observe an important long-term trend. Asians are starting to go on fewer sightseeing trips taking in several countries. Instead, many of them dream of relaxing on sun & beach holidays. In other words, they are gradually becoming 'typical holidaymakers' like in Western countries."
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